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i Ii AF!ER ACTION REPORT \ .:~*/t~HTANK ml'846~1 13

d) Sept 43 thru , ' \ 1 July 45

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i {: ./ J ::-\~., \ -r:His DoCm~T IS '!rlE PRqPE,RTI,'Of\"ANDi·SHOULD BE RETURNfl.l TID, ;\:-~.f' ,,' " I,,:" / .' . (. I; , 'V\Il !,nfE 'C~A$SIFIED'DPCUUENT SECTlPE, IN'f'ALLIGEUCE DIVISION, S-2, ,

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,; -, AFTER ACTION REPORT,-' 95TH~"Fm.n ,/' ARTnwty,BA.TTALION

FIFTH ARMORED DIVISION

1 AUGtJST~ 1944 tbru

9 -MAY, 1945

t THIS DOCUJmNT IS THE PROPERTY OF, 00 smum BE RETURNED TO " I THE CLASSIFIl!D DOOUMENT SECTION, INTELLIGENCE DIVISION, S-2, BUILDING T-5, (T-1782).

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77S1I,TANKBN.. 20 SEPTEMBER 1943 TO J- JULY 19Q5

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, .-' ' V _J'- "-..::' _- ,'I CA.~CELLFD BY-AUTHORITY OF THE ADJUTANT GENDlAL w.....lLC....--. b T o-ft--. t .-rh r- ~".t-. DOWNGRADING COMMlll~.z ~ ~..Lj(..tbl ...... ~ } A , .J .. J 3 O.1io~1'~.

U&1" .....17 of "111. oraai_tioa..

10lfi w. w~ .. / Major. CaT'alrr. /, _ T CbnnaDding~ . 1-Ino1. Ino1 - UD.1t,S£eto!7 with supporting doc\III.cte (loA 4yP).

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CHltONOlOGlCAL HISTORY " The 1st Battalion, )6th.ArIIored Regiaent, 8th A1'aorell DLTis10n was activated at Fort Knox, Kentucq on 1 April 1942. It was a licht tank organization wi~h the u1n dut7 ot tra:1Di.Dg cadres tor tlle tom­ 1ng of armored units .. tQ9k part in the activation ot the 9tIa, lOtIl, • 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and" ~ AnIored DlTisiou. In u.I1tioa, 1t . sent trained replacements onrs.. to the let aD1l -2Di Araored DI:r.Le1oD8 in North Africa. With the 8th Armored DiTision, the Battal10n left J'wt IDCXE _ 8 January, 194), to ea.p capell, Ient~, where it __ a rep'.... mant training unit.

The end of Fe\o)ruary, 1943, the DiTision was clesiCDat.. a cauat d1vision and a cadre 'Was sent to North C8IIp Polk, ··Loaisuaa. w s. up cap in preparation for the training ot recruits. Basic traj", DC cOJIDenced the first week ot April. Effective the roth ot Sept_er, 1943, a new 'flO Ie E .str.....,n... the armored. div.ls1ons, r.sulting in the torIIation of tint separate mediUJI tank battalions in addition to those incorporated in the arJm'eIl division itself. Consequent:q, the 1st Battalion, 36th Jm0re4 Beci­ ment, 'Was redesignated as the 775th Tank Battalion, ~eing actint" at North Camp Polk, Louisiana. The Battalion was suppl-.mted ...., persoDDel from the disbanded maintenance, service and. head.quarters companies ot the 36th and 80th Armored Regiments, 8th Armored ~v1aiOD.

Since a maj ority of the men had received. their train:l.lJc in light tanks, it was necessary to coaaence an intensive traiDiDg period 01 mediUlll tank driving and 75111111 gunnery. The following is a resuae ot the initial training on activation of the Battalion:

Owmery - Compa!\Y D was alread;,y well-trained and qual:I.fJ.ec1 in the 37mm gun. However, all personnel received valuable reY.i.. aDd consider­ able practice firing. It was necessary for the meclilDl companies to commence instruction on the 75mm gun trom the initial phases. Twelve 75mm "trainers" (guns mounted on mova'Dle frames) were received fraI ordnance at C1:'.mp Polk and rapid progress was made in this subject UDder com?etent officer instructors. When gunner,y instruction to~ came tA:.a conclusion the 8th of February, 1944, all phases and subjects were covered as prescribed by FM 17-12.

Driving and First Echelon of Maintenance - On reCeiving the media tanks, intensive driver training was initiated under the supervision ot an assigned civilian automotive adviser, assisted by the officers ot the Battalion. Truck drivers were thoroughly schooled in maintenance ~y a second civilian adviser.

Intelligence Training - A series of proalemsI tests, and day and night compass courses were held for personnel of the Battalion UDder the supervision of 5-2. The Recormaissance Platoon received consid.­ able training and were frequent~ used as instructors for the intelli­ gence training of the companies.

-1­ l'! t ; i i; , ' ca.lcal Wet'" - 'rhe/g;,aot:t1cers aDl NOO8, all of whoa hU e0llp1et.. a d1't'1811m or b1g1l4l!lr headquarters Cd so1l001, :1Datruct_ mI .an...o. all traini • ~niDl to t~s ~ject. . • 11 ... II:LM8 aDl Boo. Tra~ J. CoD814erule bportance was attached teth18 .u"ect. IutnC¥o. was UDler a ~te .me.. of the Th1N Arrq lI1ae Scbeel. I .

~ Mditinal .ujects nre ecmlred .,. ule 1.JuIVu.cters of the BattaU.eDI n.nt AU, PlQ"dcal !ra:hdDl, Care aDIl Panct101dl1c . of lati"f1Nl Am8 aDIl others. Se.enl we.. of tactical tra1n1Dg fol.l.owed 111th platoon,coapa!\y aDIl Nttal10n proltl.-a. ladio secvit7, ltlackout clriving, bivouac secur1V ad fomation driTinc were stress_. . Tra.in:ing tests requ1.rM UJIl.. Arrq GrounIIl Force ltegulationa were &inn' the Battalion lw7 the nx.corps aDd 2nd Headquarters, Special Troops, Fourth ArIq. All tests nre satisfactor1lypassed. Dorine the COIIltat t1r1.nc tests and. th~ kttalion field proD~ Talualale COIIJt1Dlll training was rece:f:red. 'with infantr.Y, artUlery and eagineers. The atoreaentioned trainiJlg folloncl the Battalion activation tor a period of six IIOnths. DQring this time a very active Special Sen1ee Section Jl8.de a name fot the Battalion in the field. of sports .... entertainaent. The Hsket'N.U tea prared to De the outstanding evaat at Caap Polk during the winter season of 1943 ani 19~, w.I.nning ltoth hal,,"s ot the XIX Corps League. All companies participated in a Battalion League which ended in a tie ltetY/een A am. D Ccmpanies. In the enterta.1laeDt field. a seven-piece orcli.estra as well· as a druIl and 'Rgl~ corps were organized by the Battalion 'bugler•. Freq­ uent T&l"1ety" shews 'Were· given for the troops under the direction of the Special Service NCO. ' The BattalioR was placed on an alert status, 31 December 1943 per or4ers of the CoJl!Dl8.Dd,ing General, Third ArI11¥, Fort Sam Houston, Texaa. An intermediate move was made from North Camp Polk to Csap Polk, Louisiana, 5 miles distant, 22 January 1944. It wasn't until the 7th and 8th of 1Iq, 1944, that the Battalion lett Camp Polk in two serials, arriving at Camp Stoneman, CaJ.i.fornia, on}fay 11th and 13th. On completion of staging requirements the Batta.lion boa.rcied. the USS "CaDtaline" at near'Dy PittsDurg, California, for movement to FOB, San FranCisco, where the personnel ellbarked aboard'the USAT 118 Boschf'onte1n, leaving the Bq area on 28 )lay 1944. The crossing of the Pacific required 21 days and. was without incident. Land was first touched at JI1.lneBq, New Guinea, for ship supply. Oro Bq, New 0uiDea, wu reached. OR 20 June. The troops disembarkec1 and moved to an area at Soputa Race Track. Work ltegan immediately for the estab­ lishaent; of a sem.-permanent installation with cOapa.I\Y' kitchens, troop tents, .ess halls, necessary administrative 'buildings, recre­ ation hall aDd. chapel being erected in a short period of time.

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An entertainment program w<.'..s instituted including thr1ce-weekq movies, UOO ShOlVS ¥rl athletics. Swimming in the nea.rby ocean proved exceeding~ popular. Training necessary for co_at in the trop:l.C8 was continued. With but a few eltceptions all officers am non-caaad.ssioned otficers, alone w1th a high percentage of remaining personnel, attel¥1ed. an lB-ciq , "Jungle School", conducted urxler the supervision of ANQAU (Austral1aa New OUinea Jldministrative Unit)'. Vlhile wheeled vehicles were available on arriftl, it wasn't 1UIt:ll the 1st of September that the tanks arrived.

An intensive training period in irdirect firing tolloncl the arrival of the tanks. Instruction was assisted by officers from the 11th Airborne and 38th Infantry Division. - 'fhree organizational assignments were made during the period when on 28 September, control passed. from the 6th to 8th ArrI(r and on 20 November, a dual,change of assignment took place; frca 8th to 6th AlW¥ and to operational control ot the 13th Armored Group. Innnediately upon the last mentioned change preparations coaenced for the impending ''»-111 operations. Within the 11m1ts ot secur1ty, ''briefing'' of the personnel was instituted ani arrangements for loading Vlere made.

'h'inally, after opere.tions had been set back api,'roximate~ 3 weeks, the Battalion less 1st ~~ 2nd platoons of Compaqy D, 3rd platoon of Company A aIXi a small Service and Medical Detachment, departed from the c,:,1!1p site at Soputa for embarkation on three Landing Ships-Tank at Oro Bay. On 22 December 1944 a Group, consisting of LSTs 462, 552, and 924 with destroyer escort, left Oro Bay, New Guinea am. arrived at HuJlk)olt Bay, ne2X Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, 25 December 1944. A convoy assembled there and departed 30 December"1944, to participate in the ~l operation. The ·~ge to ~ayen Gulf, LU$On~ippine Islanis, was com­ plete~ 'without incident. Several"ric!lI'{ alerts were sounded but there was no en~ action. The Battalion (-) lamed on II January 1945 which was D plus 2 on White Beach #3, midway between MABILAO am SAN FABIAN. A temporary' assembly area was set up for de-waterprooting of yehicles. Dne to the condition of bridges it was necessary to remain in that area froa the 11th to the 15th Januar.r 194, at which time the enerq fired night~ concentr~tions of 12 inch shells. Some damage Was caused along the immediate edge of the beach but the Battalion suffered no personnel. or vehicular casualties. .

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On 16 Ja.DU817' 19la5 'the Battall.on .and with otIia" el_.at. of tile 13th Armored Group to an ass.a:q ana appl'OX1llateq 2 III.lea eut of SAN JACINTOJ where it r-,ined in reserve, prepINII to MIfIPCU"t oa can either the I or XIV Corps, SIxth AnIr. ­ On 7 February, attacbMut was lUde tir8Ctq 1;0 I Corptl Area lJtIa Armored Group, rel1~ the 716th Tank Iattal1oa.

In ord.. to descr1.e the operatiou ot the.- 77Sth faak Batt.li• tor the period 7 Fe.ruary to 1 June 1916, it is uc..s8l7' to relate the experiences of each coapalV' as there ..... DO less ~ 33 ...... tional. attachlllents during the ator.slltiOll84 t1aer---1ot ODDe dU the Battalion enter act\1&l co_at against the ...,. as a ....le 1Dd.t. During the period Battalion Headquarters rau;Inecl attached to I c.rp. except tor the briet period Mruar.y 7 to Pe1truaz7 14 *e it .. attached. to the 6th Intant17 DiY1s1_. . . .- I Once companies were assigned. to diY1s1ol18j they ~ turn hU their separate platoons assigned to int8Dti17 rectlM!!d;sJ 1_e" 1a a t.­ instances, sections ot platoons were alone giYen Ilissi0D8 with iDt&l1t17 'battal1Oll8. .

H~UARTERS COMPANY

Headquarters Comp~ moved with Battalion Headqwu'tC"s to a lee­ ation south ot MUNOZt ~eva ic:1ja, where the cOJllPAlV' was U'1et'.q attached to the 6th Inrantl7' Div.l.s:LOIl. 1he llecomaaissance Platooa 'Went on a mssion to BALER, Tcqa'bas J with a Task Force, 'being tile f1rst American troops in that area. The comparv was relieved. troa the 6th. Infantry Division on 14 FMruary- 1945 am reattached to I Corps lIDl.. Battalion Headquarters, setting up an assau:q area at ASINGO, Pane­ asinan. Recomaissance was sent out on reports ot isolated. en_ activi.ty behind. the lines and. accounted tor three enav dea4. . For the period of 19 February to 1 June 1945 the cOllp&l\V' waa attached to the 25th Infantry Division. It was stationed initial.l.1' at SAN JOSE, Nueva Fcija. On 25 FMruary 'the Recozmaissance platoon was attached to the 25th Reconnaissance Troop 8D:l moved to BONGABOlf, Nueva &ijaJ where they- remained until the Battalion began reass_line, 1 July. Their mission was security ot the Divisions south flank. they patrolled the area troll SAN JOSE east to BALER and DINGALBR BAY, Tqaba8; from RIZALJ Nueva Ecija, north to CARRANGALAN aDl south to CABANATUAN, site of the famous Jap internment camp. They organized. the Philippine Guerrillas in that area and coordinated their ettorts.. During the period numerous minor actionS a3ainst the eneII\Y occured with credit being given for 21 prisoners C'm an undetermined. numlter killed. With the Recorma1ssance platoon was the 3rd platoonJ Compal\Y DJ whose activities conincided.

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i .. ' !Ile Assalt Gun aDd Mortar p1atooDS with ~ ~er• .... attach.. to the 16lat ltegiJlent, ot the 25th D1'918i~n. The CP .... eata1tl1ahecl 6 a:Uea north ot SAl JOSE. On 2h "eltriUU7 the JlDrtar platooD .wed into the IIQUI'ltain8 northwest ot Ifational Hich­ "!f8'I IS nth the 2Dd Battal1oD, 16lat Intantrr Beg1Jaent to give thea . cloa. IftIPPOI"tI 1a thct.r abuce towaft the Nrrio of PUNCAN. The Assault a. platoon was relieved on the 28 ,elIraB.l7 aJId on 8 March awec1 1I1th .the c.parv heaclquart..s to a Dell' ld.'YOU&C area in the ric1Di1i7 .t DIGDIG. !h8T moved 'DIDl"th to ANABAT on 12 March, where th.,. .et up pos1t1ou aDd tired on the barrio ot PUTLAN. Two weeks lat... tbe Mortar platoon was· attached to th, Divt'sion Reconnaissance Troot.t_ -'tiDe to CABIlAIGALAI. Shortq ther~er,. all elements of the 2$th DJ.ris10n IIOved frca that area, leaving ~e platoon attached ,to the 1atPhil1ppine Regiment. During the succ~ng period the Mortar platoon was under continuous enem.y artillery ~ mortar fire and re­ pulsed several "banzai" attacks. They fired a number of prearranged concentrations and were largeq responsible for \coordinating the acti'91ti88 ot the guerrilla battalion to which they were attached. Because of the nature of the firing it was impossible to give an accurate account of en~ casualties. ' From the time the CompatW left SAN JCSE 21 r'e'bruary until they were relieved from the 25th Division on 1 July" the Assault Gun platoon operated with f!JVery regiment within the Division. In most of . e oPerations thEI,Y 'Were accompanied 'by the CompaD\r Headquarters.

The mission of the 25th Division and supporting troops "TaS to advance from 8.lili JOSE, north ,along Highway 115 through BALETE PASS to SANTE ~ at the entrance to the MAGAT RIVER am CAGAYAN RIVER valleys. It was among the most difficult terrain encountered in the adva.nce of the U.S. Armed Forces through the Southwest Pacific. The first attachment of the Assault Gun platoon was to the l6lst Infantry Regiment" then assigned the mission of assaulting am taking the barrio of PUNCANJ 6 miles northeast of SAN JOSE. Tt.e plctoon' s mission was to lay indirect fire on the b~.rrio at. a range of 3" 700 yards. On successful completion of this missionJ the platoon'VTas attached to the 35th Infantry with a mission of supporting by direct fire the infantry assault on the heavily dug in positions along High­ way 115" just north of PUNCAN. This action included a fight vrith a Jap lo5J1Dl gun" emplaced in a cave» feet deep in solid rock. The enE!I\Y gun was destroyed; thereafterJ the pl?toon moved east to J.:Al:~·rABAGAN where it engaged in direct and indirect fire missions. These lasted for a period of 2 weeks during which time enemy artillery" rangin& from 47mm to l05mm" fired at distances of 100 to 700 yards. There ere no direct hits upon our tanks. '. The platoon was attached to the 27th Regiment nnd operc'.ted in ':,rect support of that organization from PUNCA.N to PUTLAIID, Nueva. Ecija, (er continuous mountainous terrain, paralleling Highway ,,5.

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Jloving into the mning of BALETE PASS with the CoJllP8J\Y' Headquarters, they were under ly en~ artillery fire. They rem;J.1ned in firing position covering the junction of Highway #5 with. t~e Villa Verde • Trail and. Old Spanish Trail at SANTE FE, inIilediately north of BALETE PASS. Missions were assig~ed almost daily and the platoon was even called upon to fire for t~ 32m Infantry Divi~ion, then movine eastward across the Villa Verde Trail. From firing positions at FUTLAN, the . Assault Gun platoon in battery with the Cannon Compa~, 16lst Regiment, were the first American artillery to fire on the BALETE PASS area at max­ imum range, 12,500 yards. Shortly after BALETE PASS had been secured, the platoon was relieved from the regimental attachment and returned as . Division Headquarters troops.

On the 1st of June the co~ was given the assignment of protect­ ing the division's south flank am moved to SAN JOSE, from where tl1e activities of the Mortar platoon, near CARR.4.NGALAN and the Reconnaisance platoon, at BONGABON, were coordinated at the close of the period. On 1 July, the compatty was ordered back to ASnmAN. COMPANY A

Compal\y A, less 3rd platoon, left SAN JACINTO, 8 ~'ebruary and were attached to the 43rd Inf,'lntry Dirision at POZORRUBIO where their tanks were initially employed as roacl blocks for the l03rd Infantry Regiment. The )rd platoon lanied at SAN FABIAN on 18th February 1945 and joined the comp~ at POZORRUBIO. The 43rd Division was relieved by the 33rd Division am for the period 14 February to 4 March, the company was attached to the 136th Infantry Regiment. Operating with the 1st and 2m battaliOns, the tanks supported the attacks on Hills "600" and "800", approximately 10,000 yards north and northeast, respectively, of POZORRUBIO. En~ resis­ tance was light. The tanks fired ~rectly into caves ani gun positions. ~ The attack to the north on BAGUIO started the second week of M::rch. I ~e en~ showed his usual f:;;naticism ,and dogged resistance through f the two month period required to take the city. The drive was from : four directions: Northeast along Kennon Road. (Hi;hway #11) from Camp One; east and northeast from vicinity of AGOO, east from C.ABA and east from BAUANG. All four points are loc8ted on Highway #3. The 136tb Inf.antry drove.. no~~ along Kennon Road, the l23rd drove east from AGCO #9! east froa Q41IA.,,~ and the l.30th drove east fran BAUANG along Hi.;hway

The drive up Kennon Road was ultimately halted in the vicinity of Camp Four due to efficient eneII\Y demolition of suspension brid~es over large rivers aM gorges. As BAGUIO was bein~ approached from the west, foot patrols reached the city from Kennon Road. However, the first platoon saw considerable action along the route of advance before being halted by the previously mentioned obstacles.

\ \ -6­ On 24 June, the 1st pl~toon, world.ng with a patrol !rca the IJ6t,h Infantry and one squad of the lOath Engineers, was ambushed axx> yards south of CAMP THIRTY by an estimated 200 enEII\Y troops on high ( , ground overloold.ng the armored column. They used. satchel charges,,, grenades, knee morta.rs, machine guns ani rifles. The tanks were . " helpless as they could not elevate their guns to fire on the I.....1..... ·...•. and manueverability was impossible. Artillery fire was 'broughtenBll')'" to \.. ~:.on their positions 'by a cub liaison plane am ~he enE!llQ' 'With­

" On the 21st of June, the 2nd platoon was attached. to the 6th Infantry Division for operations and proceeded to SOLANO in the MAGAl' RIVER VALLEY. Their action was primarily patrolling and there WQS only minor contact with the en~. As the period ended orders were received on the 1st of Juq for all elements of the company to assEmble 'with the Battalion He:'dquarters at ASING:lli, Pangasinan, to commence the prescribed rest and rehabilitation period, preparatory to future operations.

COM!:-'ANY B

Company B w~s detached from its parent organization and attached for operations to the 32nd Infantry Division on 7 February 1945, movin& from SAN JACINTO to TAluG, Pangasinan. The 2nd platoon was attached to the 1.27th Infantry Reeiment at SAI~ LANUEL.. It was the first in)t .... c<"mpa.I\Y to eng:lge the enemy. A bulldozer tank was sent to repair a section of the Villa Verde Trail and moved up under mortar and rifle fire•. For three days the platoon saw action in this sector with caves and pillboxes as direct fire targets. _ On 28 February, the 3rd platoon was attached to the l26th Infantry iteeiment for operations along the ARBOREOO RIVER VAHEY. One notabl~ a.chievement 'was the reduction of a. strongpoint whi~h h2.d held up the ..... izp.'antry advance for over a week. In reaching their objective it was • necessary to pass through extremely he~vy artillery and machine gun .\ fire over nearly impassable terrain. / On 28 March, the 1st platoon went into action on the Villa Verde '~\ 'frail with the l28th Infantry Regiment.'l'he platoon spent ne::trly two I m()nths in the mountain with their tanks accomplishing unbelievable tasksl in climbing &J degree slopes and building roads. This platoon fought l aloIlG the Villa Verde trail until junction was made with the 25th J Division at StiNTE FE. . The company, less the 1st platoon, moved to NAGUILIAN on the lOth of April where they were attached to the 17th' Infantry Division to move on BAGUIO. Action was particularly henvy along the remaining ~ miles into the city. The 3rd platoon had a particularly memorable \ action on 17 April. The lead tank rounded a sharp curve cmd was hit immediately by a round from an anti-tank gun. Orders were given to the second tank to back up and out of line of fire.

- e ­ In doing so" the driver accident~ backed off the road. am. the tank dropped about 400 teet. The 3rd tank in the colUlUl was called up to give support while rescue efforts were made. As blood plasma was bei.~ given to one of our WOUJK1ed." the Japs counterattacked. '!'hfJT bayoneted. the wounded, killing hill. At the same time 2 enqr tanks with explosives tied to them,,' roumled a curve and raDDeCl two of our tanks. .l single man left in the tank loaded and tired the 1,Smm gun, knocking out the 1st enerv tank and. then assisted D,y his platoon leader Iatocked out the second one. A ff!1tr dqs later a ~ was rec­ eived that a Jap tank was overru.md.ng an advance out~st of the l29th Infantry Regiment. Two tanks went forward to within .50 yards of the outpost and used 'but one round to dispose of the,intruder.

On 24 April, the coJ'll.p8I\1 was in sight ot BAGUIO. As the two lead :tanks rounded a curve toward the city, an estimated 12 11Da guns opened up on th_. They moved on, however, after an exchange of rounds and. entered the city. There" heavy artillery and machine gun fire was encountered lnlt the first b10clc of the c;l.ty was secured and the infantrymen came in to support and further secure the city. Tanks and. crews from this Battalion were the first American troops to euter BAGUIO. A drive was almost immediate4r cODlllenced toward TRIUIDtJ) and ~n 28 April, using a three column attack on that town, moved in with the infantry close behind. On 8 June, the compBl\V was relieved from the 33rd Division and. attached. to the 31th Infantry Division for operations in the Cagayan Valley. The unit !DOved from TRINIDAD to 'SOlANO, l~ueva Viszcaya, in . two days. Their march continued to catch the fast-moving 37th in the :' whirlwind drive. At ORIOUNG PASS, enroute to SAhTIAGO, two disabled tanks with their crews were ambushed by an estimated 200 Japs. A blooqy fight ensued but the Compa~ B men were outnumbered and those that were not killed retired. One tank was completely burned out with thermite grenades but the other was salvaged and used in later operations. The men were courageous and did credit to the U.S. Artrr:f , in their heroic stand. ' ~. On 18 June" the 1st platoon was moving with the 148th Infantry Regiment about two miles south of !LAGAN where they turned off a trail leading to S.:J~ AN'fONIO. About 4 miles along they encountered 8 enemy tanks. A b:,ttle followed and all eneDtV tanks were knocked out with the platoon sergeant beirrJ credited with six of them. On 12 June" the 3rd platoon was detached from the 31th Division at SA1JTIAC-o am noved to JlAGABAG, attached to the 6th Infcmtr:," Division. This ple.toon o.:::oerated in support of the 20th Infantry alo1.G the trnil west from BAMBANG to S -,i: Il-lAS. Here it supported the infB.ntI"'J by direct fire, killing 35 Ja~)s and destro;ying much enemy naterial. ilie i)latoon also ene:lged on road patrols.

- 9­ II On 19 June, the lst platoon, enroute to Tml4..Una, was ftred on by 2 ;:;\lIlS, estimated to be 47mm. The 2 lead tanks took 17 ~ect hits but heroic action saved the lives of the cr_ when the,y ..... safely brought to the rear by the actions of the platoon Ml'geant.

The above w~s the last action seen 'by the compal\f a.r:rl on 1 ~, it proceeded under orders to ASmGAN to rejoin the parent unit.

For its oper,::-.tional activities during the period, Compa!v B rec­ eived a commendation from the CoJlll'l&ming General, 37th Infantry Division•. COUPANY C -' CompalV C was detached from its parent unit and attached for operations to~the 25th InfQntry Division on February·7.

ConpaIV C participated ~ the drive along Highway 115 from SAN JOSE through BALETE PASS, the )!AGAT am CAGAYAN RIVER VALLErS, cul­ minatiIlG in the juncture with the llth Airborne Division, south of Ai'PARRI. From February 7 to ~ 29 the mission of the comp8l\Y was to protect the right flank of the 25th Infantry D;ivision, in the SAN JOSE­ ECriGABON sector with the 25th Reconnaissance Troop. While there the 105mm assault bUrl1Vas attached intermittently to Headquarters Compaq,y of the Battalion for operations along Highway 1!5. other tanks of the ccmpany were used as bridge~s and to create an impression on some of the local populace, amonc~ich there were known to be numerous Hukpalahups, radicals vmo were neither friendly disposed toward the eneny nor the American forces. These radicals were heav:ily armed initially until the Counter-intel+1gence Corps, assisted by Compaqy C, could take alia;{ their arms. In addition, Ganapes, who by self-admission were pro-Japanese, existed in the area. 'l'he compaxw made successive moves to RIZAL am SAN JOSE on 6 March and 15 April .where compat\V headquarters directed the various attachments o! Reconnaissance platoon, 3rd platoon, Company D and approximately 100 [)"Uerrillas of the 103rd and 311 Squadrons, WAF. An area roughly form­ ing a triangle, SAN JOSE, BOHGABON and CABANATUAN was assigned for patrolling and 61Hrding bridges.

'i"'" In the meantime platoons and sections were alternated in operatio~l / yd.th the infantry regiments of th 25th Division, moving north along al~\ Highway #S. Ench days operations reports were in their contents:, !' bulldozed tanks up steep hill to support infantry; pillboxes and anti-t c;uns knocked out, caves sealed; advanced 100 to 300 yards. It Was an I oper.··.tion not visualized by tacticians but now experienced by every .' company in the Battalion. In some of the most difficult fighting in I the Southwest Pacific, over terrain not suited for tank employment, the! Com:)at\V slowly pushed ,',lith elements of the 25th Division through BALETE PASS to the floor of the CAGAYAN VAlLEY leading to the northern tip of Luzon. I

- 10 ­ :'/ / I / -, I .r - .9;peltat10118 were with the 27"*, 3$t.h and 16lst IntaItt1'7 Reg1aents, , 2Sth DlY1siOD. Operat1qns were also with the 148th Infantry and the ~ l.26Ua 1Dtaut;r,r who .... attached to the 25th Div1s1oD tbr a ltriet period. -­ It •• necusarr to eecure the hich grolmd on each side before aJV' att..,t could ...e .... to Co. thro1llh OD the -.in road. The mountains on td.ther Bide had soae slopes with a gnd1ent as great as 6.S degrees up which tanks were lN114o.... It was wen necessary on wet dq's to take tracks aD! -Jeep.- up these slop.. 1n the same maDDer.

hrtiher, tb... slopes had, DO patb8 and it bee.. necessary to \ 1Idos,- roads or as was the case in ..-1nst~es- the tanks made their OIID road•.,.,. craahing tbrough the heav toren vegetation. In order to ­ fire at plllMlxe. and a, gun po.ition, three t~s on one occasion ') _lasted 8."fIq through the growth .ald.ng a lane to fire at those positions.

j . The operations caD best 'be descrilted with a- typical operation report. , ....,. This one 11'8.8 ot 19 April 194$I / $' "Support1Dg the attack ot the 1st Battalion, ~7th Infantry" our tanks procr...ed wt 100 yards when a very steep ravine was encountered. The opposite side was strongl1' defended £rom eneIII9' ~ug in positions. With one platoon ot :l.ntantry the tanks worked to the west '\'Ihere a suitable route was tound to reach the top ot the ravine in the enavls rear. Progress lRUt slond. Dy intense machine gun and rine fire from pillboxes aaplacecl cnl the rtmtrse slopes, inaccessible to tank fire. Each position had to be tl.aIlked in the dense undergrowth am at the end ot the clq 300 i Tards bad beeD gained. _ One tank received 4 direct hits from" a 47m anti-tank gun and another received 2 direct and 2 glancing hits. A 3rd tank ran over a land mine which b1_ the right track apart. A 105m mortar shell landed to the rear ot a f'ourth tank" destroying both air cleaners. Five pillboxes and one 47- gun were known to be dest1"078d d1ll"1ng the period and an unknown IlUIIber ot en.eIIV dead were sealed in caves." .

On 31 lIq, Company C was attached to the 37th Infantry Division. The \ 37th had passed through the 25th Inf'antr,r Division prepared to drive north- 1'i81'd on APPARRI. Each day saw the 37th advance 10 .to 20 miles. It was so rapid that the en8lD3' was helpless- am scattered with no semblence ot organisation. By the Oth· of' June" BAYOMBONG was taken. On 8 June, heavy opposition was encountered when the tanks leading the column ran into an amBush. Tbere were no casualties tor the 77$th Tankmen wo accounted tor a 7Smm high velocity gun and two other field pieces ot undeter.mined calibre. The enem.y had 35 killed while 4 surrendered. The push through the ORIUNG PASS completely stunned the enemy as the tanks spearlleaded the drive. It was the last natural def'~nse barrier ot SZ13' importance. With our superior armored might the eneD\Y Y-..new th(".t it would be impossible to stop us on the nat noor ot the CAG.':.YAN VALLEY. COHOON and SANTIAGQ .tell on successive days tollowiIlb the penetration of' the pass. The advance swung north and met opposition at WASIG, just north ot SANTIAGO, but bef'ore the day was over our tanks had cracked the . .

-u­ , ~--- -~-. ,

~ -, - 4 - ~ (e) 632 TD Bn 1.- Commander: 2.- Location: Leyte -3. staging: Leyte 4.- strength: 787 • • • • 3. ANNEX 2, Operations Map b. 775th Tk Bn: Will land in the DAGUPAN - MABILAO area comnencing on S f 2 and will move to an assembly area in the general POZC>?p.UBIO area, prepared to participate in an Armorei attack in the zone of advance of either Corps.

e. Advance party, 13th Armored Group, will land DAGUPAN ­ NABILAO area, on S~ 1 and conduct read and terrain reconnaissance from beach to general POZORRUBIO area, and be prepared to assist elements of the 13th Armored Group in movement to assembly areas. x. (1) Each battalion commander will inform the command­ ing officer, 13th Armored Group, the time he, himself, assumes comv~nd of his forces ashore.

(2) Battalion corr~~nders are responsible for the supervision for loading of their respective commands. (3) Battalion cOJIllIU:nders will inform their commands that the purpose of the PHILIPPINE campaign is to liberate the FILIPINOS. 'fo this end every effb rt compatible with the tactical situation will be made to safe guard the lives and property of the Filipino people. 3 ­ 2. a. 13th Armored Group:

vlill land in DAGUPAN - MA~ILAO area commencing on I ;. 2 and will move to an assembly area in the general ~OZORRUBIO area, prepared to launch an armored attack La the zone of advance of either Corps.

b.- TROOPS: (1) Units: (a) 13th Armored Group 1.- Commander: COL M.E. JONES 2. Location: Hollandia 3.- Staging: Hollandia 4.- Strength: 98 (b) 44th Tank Battalion (less Co C) 1.- Commander: 2.- Location: Leyte f.. Staging: Leyte 4.- strength: 629 (c) 775th Tank Bn. 1.- CoIIrI:ande r : 2. Loc[;.tion: Oro Bay

~t . 3.- .J aglng: Oro Bay 4. strength: 751 - (d) 186th Engineer (C) Bn (ND) -1. eom~:'3 nder : 2.- Loc~tion: USA 3. Staging: Hollandia ~, - ) ../ 4.- Strength: 637 ,, • i

- 2 ­ (2) Phase II: An attack to destroy all hostile forces • north of the AGNO RIVER, and to seize and se9ure crossing of the'AGNO RIVER. (3) Phase III: The destruction of hostile forces in the CENTRAL PLAINS area; the contin­ uation of the attack to capture MANIL A.

(b) Will seize the CENTRAL PLAINS - M~WILA area . by overland operations to the southward. (c) Will prepare to conduct such operations as may be required to complete the destruction of hostile forces and the occupation of LUZON. (d) Will assume control of and direct the operations of FILIPINO Forces in LUZON. (3) S-Day 9 January 1944 (Target Date) H-Hour To be announced (4) I Corps, reinforced: (a) Will, on S-Day at H-I,Iour, land in the Dr.GUIAN - lrABILAO area with divisions abreast, wil attack vigorously to de­ stroy hostile forces encountered, and will seize and secure the Army beach­ head within the I Corps zone of action. (b) Will seize and hold the DAGUPAN bridge until relieved by elements of the XIV corps. (c) 'Nill be prepared to seize and secure crossings of the AGNO RIVE~. within the I Corps zone of action. (d) Will establish and maintain conte.ct vJith the 158th RCT and with the XIV Corps. (e) Will protect the left flank of Sixth Army. ~ *. * " \ " ,...io , \. I 'V \ B Armel. Gp.,

.' 29 November 19,44 • -'.'" HEADQUARTERS 13 AID!ORED GROUP. APO 565 23001 I 29 November 1944. V-I------"""""­ OPERATION FO 1. }laps: opn Yap

Yap No 31, MAP SUPPLEMENT to TER.flAIN STUnY NO 93 LINGAYEN1 4 Oct 1944 (traced from Luzoa sheets 2lH and ~5B). • • :. • 1. b. (1) Forces of the southwest pacific, covered and sup-ported by the Third Fleet, the 20th and 14th Air Forces will continue the offensive to re! occupy the PHILIPPINES by seizing a beachhead in LINGAYEN GULF, destroying hostile forces, and reoccupying the CENTRAL PLAINS - VlANILA area; will continue operations to complete tte con­ quest of LUZCN, all for the purpose of estab­ lishing bases to support future operations and to reestablish the PHILIPpnm government.

(2) SIXTH APJPI, Supported by Allied Naval and Air Forces: (a) Will, by overwater operations, seize and occupy beachheads in the LIFGAYEN - DJVlORTIS S,' N FERNi,NDC (LA UNION) areas as are re­ quired to initiate and insure uninterruped naval and air operations in support of the continued offensive to seize the CENTR'L PLAIN J,'ANILA are",. "Phases of the operation will be: (1) Phase I: An amphibious assault to seize and con­ solidate beachheads in the LnlGi~YEN Dj!}~ORTIS area of -r.,E-TGAYEN GULF, and to initiate the establishment of air and base facilities therein. 3/

: 1.. · ----- SECRET AUTri: CG SIXTH ARMY INIT: roN DATE: 16 Nov 1944

HEti.D~UARTERS SIXTH ARMY Office of the Commanding General A.P.O. 442 16 November 1944 TROOP 1CVE"'FE1;f DIRECTIVE). lrcn1B ER 105 )

1. ?urusnat to authority contained in GR.~ Operations Instructions 73, dated 12 October 1944, the following units pass to Sixth Army administrative and operational control 20 November and will move from CELLULOID to destination Secret on water transportation to be made available: Serial Unit ATlPROX STRENGTH 1. 775th Tank Bn 751 •

By co~~nd ~f Lieutenant General KRUEGER:

/s/ Alan 'N. Hall ALAN VI. HALL, Lt. Col., A. G. D., "A True copy" Asst. Adj. Gen.

~~IC' p D';'-J.. V ..) :..J. 1st Lt. ..---­ SECRET R-Fr-~T-~ . -- 21~D i ih....D.lUARTEHS- AND EE..ill...tUAHTE..'tS Dl!.'TACliklalT Si~IAL 'l'H.OC)f'S :r'O;'7ltl'E AR1!Y Cc."<'mp Claiborne" louisiana 20 April 1944

SU3Jl..:CT: J.:ovenent Orders Shipment !XXX-X. The follm',ring is an extract of confidential. ltr order this H

3. This is a PEfI.2.,i.;J,iUlT C of sta.

15. TDL. TC 'Hill i\lTnish T. r'SA. 1-5000 P 433-02-0)-04-05-07-08 A -425-25. Autb: ".m ltr" file I'm 370.5 (3 Apr 44) O:S-&-EH'oi" dtd 4 Alyr 44,. sub: lviovement Orders" Shi)!:1ent XXXX" cmd Amerrlr.1ent l~o 1 thereto" dtd 14 Apr 44, and 1st lId. I-lq 4th A" file 370.5-GNMAG" dtd 18 Apr 4h" and 1tr AGF 21 Sep 43" 322/102 (Fourth •.rmy) (20 Sep 43) GNGAP.

By order of Colonel SA -AGE: lsi Pinckne,y M Bernstein ItI pn~CKHEY At BERNSTEIN hlajor" InfCl,ntry, Adjutant

DAVIS B. OAT 1st Lt" 775th Tk En &-2 , ~AltBBS 'J'HIHD A!flf Ottiae ot t.be eo..nd..1nc General Fort. SIa Houaton, I ... 2~ Sept.,.. 1943 GBNJWL ORDERS ) r 10) ) * * * * * * * SEC'l'ION JY - N.eorga.n1.Ktlon ot Amored Div1aiona. if * * * * * IV. fPPRGARIZAIION OF Aml)RW DIVISIONS. Pursuant to 1natruot1on. eont.a1Mcl in War De~1iMnt letter AO )22 (10 Sept 43) 0 B-I4lGCT-Il, dated 15 Sept..aber 1943, 5bjectl "Reorg&n1sat1on or Amored DiYisiona," the tollowi.n& reorganisation., Nd..1gnaUon., diabaoo.nta and It.ctivat1ona ettect.ive 20 Sept.eaber 1943, are annoUl1cec:h . * * * * * * if 3. Unita Redea1gnated.

OLD DESIGNATION NEt~ ~IGNhT ION

II!¥pIS OF I El»OOl'ts OF: !!h • * m * * * * * * * * if 1st. 1m 36th Anad Regt. Separate #775th 'l'k 1m * * * * * * * /I Elteat.iYe 20 Sept.aber 1943, unit. are .signed to III Az,aored Corp. at. the atation ot reorgan1z&tion. * * * * * By GO snd ot Lieutenant General OOl)Gf;Sa

GIDlliE A. Dt\V IS, Brigadier General, General start Corps, Q}ier or ~r. OFFICIAL:

lal George A. Haad, ItI GIDRGE A. lOOD, ~...... CT...~ Colonel, A.G.D., D. D. COURl'IU Adjutant GenenU.. Captain, AGD I Aaa18tant AG . BABIC. Ltr, Hq, 37th I·,if Div, !PO 37, Off of the CG, dtd 15 August 1945. , SUbj , C00IIIl9nda'iiJ. on. • S. As Ilivieion Comman~ .. it gives me the ~eate~t pleasure,. both personally and offioia'.ly, to er:...end the h1gnest comm~ndat:ion to those officers and J!lC'n of th.) 71%n Tapk Batt.alion who so magni!icentJ.y sup­ ported the 37th In1'2.r~t:ry Dlvision during +.he Bagu.i.o and Cagayan Valley Campaigns, .

/s/ Robert S. Beight1er RC'mFT S. BEIClHTLR8. Kajor General, U. S. Arrq Commanding let Ind. ~UARTERS 71STH TANK BATTA!,I ON, i_PO 70, 11 Septomber 1945.

TO. Commanding Officer, Co lIB:' J Co "C"" Co IIDI/: [k,,:,vice Co. J Med Dat.

1. I desire to add my (~O!ll'[lendetion and t) ~XJ:,y:oess my deep appreciation far the superior mo.nner :in whj,~;l ()och o!f;,o.;l')r'tlnd IJrlifted JlW.n par-f()I"lMd h.1.s job to make this battalion a hi'ghly t3fficient and oc-w.di.na.ted combat team. ..~ /s/ E"..'mer W. Beeker ET.J4BF W.. ErCK!!R , Lt. CQ1~nel, Infantry, oommanrling.

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. ~\ 6A ~UARTERS 37TH INFAN'lRY DIVI~ 1 Oc:fice of the Oommanding General: APO 37, c/o Postmaster San Francisco, Calif • 15 August 1945 SUBJECT, Commends.tionlO TO Conuanding Officer,.'115th Tank Battalion, Aio 70.

. .,l.! ' ,~~n,g~ tlle 13aguio ~d ,the :CagaQT$Il Vall;ey C~a.igrlll,. elements of the 775th Tank Battalion were attached to the 37th Infantry Division. Com­

o ~y. ~ ,~, tl1e:.~d fJ:atOQn. of ~~aBu, 1),~, un$rPi~si~, control at Naguilian 'at the onset of 'the drive up F.iehwa,r. 9 'tov(ard Baguio and remained with it , throughout both C8.II¥>aigns. The f'.at"talion Commander and members of his staff and headquarters, and Company C, were attached during ~ Ca.~an Valley. campaign. '.. .-:.. ,~. 2. Company B, to which was attached the 2'd,,?4toDn oi~company Jl, was always attached to the leading Infr.mtry Reg.~r::F:1t during the Division's ad­ vance on Highway 9. One platocll was con-::·iL~~O-:;.51.y jn the lead, accOlTI'.t=>anied ....l)Y.'~ootry. The remainder of the company el~grj,gecl. in maintenance operations :8~;the:t-atl~1. ti~~ one ,or w.or~ pl~t90r.3 wc:r~,In 0penat,ing condition. The ,t~81.ady~ced ,!'earl>a.ssly" and, aggressively, d~sp:i;te beavy enemy fire.-from H~.l'tmery, ~WS~ "M.d' 'tank and anti-t3.tJk h7lL."Il ~ Yfhi~l;lin!licted cas­ ualti~ and heaucWnage to materiol. It IS patro'l-s, a,pcOJapanied by il;l!-an­ try, Were the first American troops to enter B::,gilio. It's he'lVY and accurate fire support ot the inf~ntllY destroyed four enemy tanks leading counter-att­ ac~s .uponourtroops. !t destroyed a number of tanks and anti..;t,ank gum em­ placed along the highvlaY and gave vigorous direct· fire support to the advanc­ ing infantry, neutralizing and destroying enemy positions and areas of re­ sistance.

3. E;lements of Company B, the 3d Platoon of Company D, and Company C, supported the leading infantry regiment dvring the division's drive up the Cagayan Valley. The Battalion Commander and a portion of his stnff and headquarters gave valuable advice to officers of the Division" and ouper­ .. "fiised the' aCtivities ·of ithe battali-on"s combAt elements. The inaintenanOO' ~··:rection kept a sufficient number of tanks 'in onerating (}ondition despite'~v­ erediunage to materiel, and c:iffieult problem 'Of supplr.ng parts imposed by the tremendous distances involved. The battalion sustained ~~y casualties ,!.rdld §~r:urt,anKS were ~str0yed-.anci others d'lmaged.. 'Ne:ve!'theless" by cour­ ngeous and energetic action the officers and crevls of the tanks never failed : rt·6-.~Te.' whOJ.$ne~-:.e'd rind ·e.rrectitre ~euppOtt "td'tA\e adV'anoi)'l,g· infantry, to smother opposition by intense dtrecl. lii'i3~' to hunt out and destroy enemy ,tanks, to defend against counter-~ttacksl and to respond enthusiastical~ and courageously to all demand3 upon it. "'(, .,.. .' 'i' 1"-- '"" j . ~:r~ . -;.l ~ ~., -:- f . e ...... ~... ~... .', 4. All of the officers and men ciisplayed sl1pea:":1.or·,·AtUAli1t1~sqf:·leader-"".~ ship, training, morale, and ('ourage. Partic'lllnr\lhertt1ontS'''tnade-of~tain <-. Andrew of Company B who, wounded in the Baguio Campqign, and mortally '\'founded in the Gagayan Valle) Campaign., performed his duties he~oically. All. of the r:orrictii's· a,;ld men exemplified the best traditions of the mil.itary sernce. t'.-" . ~ .;<.Tl-~ ('\~'.J -= j-:..•. .-;;.;') , ....,.:-... ~;. I - ...... -.;:. ~l~·l . . j,:·_~·r,.i .~ ..... ,-..~' -, '-.: ••

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17 June 1945

AWARD OF TID: KllUTOltIOUS SERVICE UNIT PLAQUE Purs1iam, to the aldihor1ty contained in 'WD Circular No • .345. dated 23 August 1944, as uumded by WD Circular No. 421" dated 26 October 1944" a J.Ieritonous Service Umt Plaque is awarded by" the Collllll8Di:i.ng General, I Corps" to the Serrlce 22' "5th Tank Battalion~ for outstanding devotion to duty and meritorious se ce 0Ja LUiOn, Pl'dOlIPPfiie slands, tram 8 Februa17 1945 to 4 June 1945. When the 775th Tank Battalion came under controlQf I Corps its five line companies were'attached to the divisions of the Corps f'pr operational purposes and later the tank companies were further split into separate platoons and sections to support the various infantry units. To solve the problem of trallllPortation am supp~ and to provide the necessary maintenance facilities for the battalion whiJ:h waes emp1<>7ed on a front which extended over one-hundred mtles, it was necess2rJ to or~anize the Service Company into separate detachments" each i":ith a bo.lance of ser­ vice and maintenance technicians capable of fUrnishin.:; adecquate service to the elements of the battalion they "/ere to support.. In the perfomance of their duties all members of the company disp~ed initiative" enthusiasm and a sincere desire to give the maximum service they ~·;ere capable of perfermine. 'f'ne leader­ ship 2.Ild good judgment displayed by the non-commissioned offj.cers in charge of the separate Zroups were outstanding. Frequently in the course of their work Service CompalV' meh were required to perform service in the front areas. In delivering ammunition and supplies they traversed d91lgerous mountain roads ~t night under blackout conitions. By their untiring efforts throueh lOnG ted~ous hours and their devotion to duty the officers and men of the Service Col'ltJa..'1Y maintained a contir"uous flO':.- of supplies and a.mr:J.unition to the front. 'l'heir technicc.l skill made possible the proJ:l:::·t repair of deadlined equiI:ment and ~he return to action of critically needed vehicles. '1'; le le.:~ders:rl.PJ rCGo'..lrcr.:':ulness and l:leritorious conduct displayed by the personnel of Service Co:n;l.X:~r:w, Tr5th 'l',lDl-:: Battalion" durin;:; ,this p~riod m,::cteriaJ.l~r ccntributed to the success of our forces in the Luzon Cumi,aign. ,

J. 'I'. !.:U:::,1~.:W ;Jri0",-dier Gener3J., USA OY/ICIAL: Chief 01' .::taff / sl i;eter C:-.lza Itf PE''L'Er~ CAl.ZA Lt Col, AGD . Adjutant General.

"A True Copy"

DATJ:S D. G:~T 1st Lt. Inf 5-2 ~UARTERS THIRD IATTALION 1l6th Infantl'7 APO 37

28 ~ 1916 SUBJECT: Commendation. TO : ComI:lallding Officer, 775th Ta:nk Battalion, APO 1!10 (thni chumela) 1. I wish to express IIV most sincere appreeiation and. aGairation for the outstanding work done by elements of Com.}>aI\y "c" of your organization while supporting this battalion during the recent Cagqan V,.n.ey operati-..

2. The a:.;gressiveness aM devotion to duty shown by the officers ani men was of the highest order. The skillf'ul tactics and leadership displqecl by the tank commanders gave proof of thorough training in their duties. In order to capitalize on the initial success attained, the drive was carried on relentless~, never giving the hostile. force a chance to reorganize. This necessitated that tanks and crews be kept in operation for a period of several weeks ~':ithout an opportunity for rest. Through proper planning and foresightednes8, the tanks could always be depended upon to be ready to go into action, regardless of the extended SUp~J~ lines and rapidity of advculCe. 3. The cooperation shown by the offic.ersand men lef't nothing to be desired. Such teaJllilOrk was a large factor that contributed to the complete rout of the en~ whenever he was encountered. We, the officers and men of the 3rd BattGJion, 145th Infantry, WOl J.d welcome the opportunity to work with Com)CJ.ny "G" vlhen the next blow is struck a;,ainst the forces of Japan.

I sl Stephen J. Bailey . ItI STEPHEn J. BAIl.EY Major, Infantry COmmanding itA True CopY"

DAVIS 13. OAT 1st Lt. Inf S-2 . ,. .. :...... '

'," , .',

I I -- I AD 201.22 - C i ! !

SJBJ1I:T: e'''''l8'Idatic:m. ":~ .-1'.' . '.,\:. :~l .

", .. ~.~~ TO :, l.8t lAi. Frank J Gall, ·01 016 829, ~ -1.-'. 7'1S'th I'IIDk _i~ • AP070. _ •. JJGt.a1t"'.

THHaJGH:. e.,."tiDC Qrf1oer, 77Sth Tank Batta.UQIl, .IPO 10 ,"r ::tt baa CeDe to .,. attent;iCll that lilt lAi. PraDk: J. GaU, 01 016 ·829, -i-'~ and 15 ~ed men of the lst Platoo.lvCtaapealf,8,A.", 77Sth 1'aDk BlLtta11GIL ~'" 'lIhUe ill. biVClD.8C in the Sapinit area,luZOIll.._P. r.,·,OIl S _19115 reDdered -., invaluable assistance in the ev_ation of DLnsiOl1 ~aJ.tie8. . , . . , Espec:i~ cClB1la1dab;J£ ~u t~ fine ap1r1t of w"ii:apes.8 8D.d c~ tic:m. in provid1Dg securityifor the aiabaJ.aDCea ext «:capav: -e-'f lO6tb. ~ BattaliQll on hazardQl8 night evamatiOl1 t~ aver vert' ~ terrain, "­ notwithstanding the evel'-present pOllsibilit,' of enav. ambu.sh._ I, . . -. \. It is rq 'Wish to express to yOl1 and ".r lIBIl,. JIll' s:l.ncere apprac1at1C1l for the fine assistance and cooperation yCID. extended ~o e~aIV' ".C", lO8tb. . JredkaJ. Batta1i~, 'Which reflects credit upon ycm-self and Ycaq' urd.t as a Whole. . \•

A TmE COPY: I -I, -1 .. ~ ./­ DAVIS B OAT 1st IA; Inf 775th Tk Ib . ," .... 'f , ."~ .. . .

I, , gA1XJTdrlE 3 ; ~AI!I1' DIVISICIl ar~Jo~11 !J.~1I8Dd1Ulg Oaeral. , • , , S.h....,~ I '. . / sm.-.. c. andati_' / mB1 a.Ct I ""'DCGwDeral, lCo1P81 JPO 301 If. I 0 erMac ,Qfft,ou, 71Sth 'fank Batta110n :. ' """na the ~ ~Qt8 of the.3~ Intml')" Division 1D the Be~. area, c....,..,. B (Jdm... platooa) and ODe platoon at. CaIpaqr D, 11~tb 'f_ BilLttelicm"en attached to the division. 'l'he pezf01'llac4a at tIIe8e 1l1d.ts ~ the period of their alitacb_eDt 11'88 nperiar, mel ~eatedan oa.t example of splendid coopera­ ti_(w1th iDtaati7 ~e1'CeII. Theil taDk 1Ud.ts d:1splqec;t a C0ur&g80118, aareeaive ap1rJ:ti 1Ih1olt, c :th a hip standard of profession­ al cClllM'f;ace, ude th_ a foS. i1e and i-_ely valuable supporti­ SJtc q • I OlD II. 1D per.tect· t . that their operations 'ldth the 37th DlT1liaEl repree.... the aDlored support this IlLTia1cm has 1et enjored. lsI Bobt. S. Beight1er ItI H03T. S. BEIGHTLER 1Iajor General, U.S. Anv . . Caumand:I.n g AG .330.13 1st Ind. B/pd HEArQlJ.BrBBS I COllPS, APO 301, 1.3 »V 1945 • 'f0i C.....,.",ing Ofiicer, 77$th Tamk Battalion, APU 70. I desire to add lfI3' own cCllllle!ldtition and appreciation for the coa.rap aDd agreaiv8D88s displqed by'the members ,of the 775th Tank Battalion l'9nder1:ag this valuable lIervice. lsI Innis P. Swii't ItI INNIS P. SWIFl' .&. T1IJB COPY Jlajor General, USA Camna:nd5 ng DlVIS B OAT 1st Lt Inr 7'1Sth Tk Bn --- 1. '

I .'

} I ~ I BaJ)QUmas 1'1Sft fAB BAftALlDl .AI'O 10, c/. JIll, s.. Jl"Dli_, CaUt.

22· ...... 19b5

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.1. 'Ibi8 ..._uti_ ...... 20 .. "."..l94S .. -~_- :in the to1lAw1Jlc ......

.. 'Dle"'"" Ucla'red a MJj,jq t. au ...... t 1;Iae 00 ....' . b. A 1IP.•8* ...... bT tlle ~tal1_ Oc= .: oeM I ':L.. the Battall_ ter the t1M rtpaktd.oa 1t UI ...... 'Dl...... 1a ... wi1la .iz (6) IJatatr'l'Dln.1-. ia 1iIdt c. 'lb•.dar'''' IIP-- 1a :latr...battaUa Gblet1ol. 2. 20 Septellber 11 kDcNIl .. tIJat;t.a.-DII'. (.. HlecW ... 1a­ • atracrb1cma reed.,.. boa The Mj1ltaJlt o..raL" atftce) 1a 1iId8 '...... IIM_

tor 1t wu 011. 20 Sept.... 19b3 that tbis 1JJd.t ..... t..... tzoea tile 1ft

I BllttaU.oD, 36th Ar'aor" ~, 8th ...... DI.~ at cap Mk,

. ..

-1­ ......

, I

8mIAL JO. OOTI JIaj RIlet, BeDj8Id.D E. o 363 049 ft: Unit CGmander Hq JIa.1 WUaoa, John •• o 37$ 199 83 ~ Stit Hq Capt Call..,· JohD A. 01 016 61.6 T1cVD1tao-ander Co "A" Capt~, ...... P. 01 016 1Ja5 Track Yebicle Ifa1nt Otficer SV Co Capt; Ba:rrodJ: Char1.. 8. o 470 3>4 ... Unit ColllD8.1'lder lied Det Ca~ JIaru ,Peter 01 012 994 83 .Air Opne st!' 0 Hq Capt JiDts, Geol'le J. o 409 SIS 82 lilt st; Off Hq capt a.:t..th,' Robert J. 01010 813 'l'k thd.t CoImanclar Hq capt; Stetler, Clareace J. 01016 247 'JIg, Co ca.Ir Hq Co Capt Todoroff, AlllDl'Mler G. o 4SO 601 ~ Sup-Ene Btf 0 Hq Capt Spencer, Itobert D. o 327 426 Unit Co..ander Co "C" capt Watt, Robert J. 01 012 656 ~ trn1t Co-ander Co "D" 1st Lt lerpama, Louie 01 016 600 ~utant . Hq 1st lit Belts, Jack H. 01 016 562 TIc ,UBit ec..arder Co I'B" 1st Lt Cooper, Kenneth L. 01 016 864 Whe~ Vehicle ldaint Otf'!~er SVCo 1st Lt Curl, Ceph 01 016 321 MotOJ' Transport 0 SVCo 1st Lt Davie, Ou;r A. 01 016 822 A1wl ,f.esault OWl U CoJIdr . Hq Co 1st Lt FamloD, Robert H. 01 017 950 Track Vehicle Maint Officer Co liD" Capt; li'Wlet', Will18.Jl B. o 467 450 ~ CoIIpaJV" CoIIdr SVCo 1st Lt Gall, Prallk J. 01 016 829 Tk Unit· Commander Co "A" 1st Lt KDapp, Walter •• , 01017t9J Communications Off Hq 1st Lt )(yer, John P. . 01 017 150 TIc Unit Comander Co "D" let Lt Oat, Davis B. 01 016 819 82 Int st Ott Hq let Lt Parker, Orville L. 01 016 896 TIc Um.t Coanander Co "D" 1st Lt Rector, Paul W. 01 017 096 Track Vehicle Ma.iJ:It Officer Co "A" 1st lit Slack, Harr7 W. Jr. 01 011 302 . Tk UDit CoJBa.Dder Co IIcn 1st Lt Snow Robert O. 01 016 558 A.rmd Rell Unit CoIIdr Hq Co 1st Lt Theill, Joseph D. 01 017 072 Track Vehicle :Maint Officer Co "Bn 1st Lt Vander Koo1, Egbert J. 01 017 039 Tk Unit Commander Co ''Bn 1st lit Woodbury, Horace G. Jr. 01 017 003 TkUnitCamnander Co liD" 2nd Lt Baldwin, Williaa F. 01 019 381 Track Vehicle Maint Officer Co "c" 2nd Lt BIring, James C. 02 023 606 TkUnitCollmander Co liB" 2nd Lt Full.er, Charles H. 02 027 537 Tk Unit Commander Co "c" 2nd Lt Hennehan, Frank J. 02 027 552 Tk Unit CollllWlder Co "B" 2nd Lt Sllith, Thomas E. 02 027 539 Tk Unit COJIll'IlaDder Co "C" 2nd Lt Spencer, John C. o 557 275 Armel Mortar Unit Commander Hq Co 2nd Lt Walcott, Eldred A. 02 027 546 TIc Unit Commander Co "An . CWO Frank, William R. W2 119 483 Track Vehicle Maint Officer SVCO WOJG Kalbach, George T. W2 131 776 Sl Pers staff Off Sv Co \ WOJG Shrier, Julius W2 131 779 Supp~ Off General SVCO Officer Personnel listed above were as of 1 July 1945.

- 18­ NAME AND RANK SERIAL NO. SUB-UNl'r Capt Katz, George J. o 409 515 Hq Co 1st Lt Bergmann, Louis 01.016 ~ Hq 00 1st Lt Davis, Gqy A. 01 016 822 Bq Co 1st Lt Oat, Davis !. 01 016 819 Hq Co 1st Lt Po.lmer, 1f1.11iam B. o 467 450 Hq Co Capt Fulghum., James P. 01 016 J..l6 SYCo 1st Lt Cullen, John A. 01 016 616 St'00 ~ Lt Curl, Ceph Jr. 01 016 321 SvCo 2nd Lt Jones, Stanley A•. 01 015 lOO SVCO CWO Frank, William R. W2 119 483 SVCO WOJG Kalbach, George T. W2 131 778 SvCo -\iOJG Shrier, Julius W2 131 779 SvCo Capt Harrod, Charles S. o 470 204 lied Det 1st Lt Cox, Paul L. Jr. 01 533 526 lied Det

Capt &n:ith, Robert J. 01 010 81.3 Co "A" 1st Lt Gall, b~ank J. 01 016 829 Co nAil .... ~ 2nd. Lt Cooper, Kermeth L. 01 016 884 Co "A" ~. 2nd Lt Or10pp, Paul S.-..... 01 016 787 Co "A" 2nd Lt Rector, Paul W. 01 017 096 Co "An Capt Andrew, John P. 01 011 470 Co I1J3I1 1st Lt Beltz, Jack N. 01 016 562 Co "!" 1st Lt Mushung, Anton J. 01 017 218 Co "B" 2nd Lt Theall, Joseph D. 01 017 072 Co "Bn 2nd Lt Vander Kooi, Egbert J. 01 017 039 Co IIBn Capt Spencer, Robert D. o 327 426 Co "C" 1st Lt Yockel, ~and c. 01 016 841 Co "Cn 2nd. Lt Newberger, Fdward F. 01 017 099 Co "cn ?nd Lt Slack, Harry W. Jr. 010li 302 Co "c" 2nd Lt Snow, Robert o. 01 016 558 Co "C" Capt Watt, Robert J. 01 012 656 Co IID" 1st Lt ~er, John P. 01 017 750 Co liD" 1st Lt Parker, Orville L. 01 016 896 Co liD" 2nd Lt Farman, Robert N. 01 017 950 Co liD" 2nd Lt Woodbury, Horace G. Jr. 01 017 00.3 Co "D" Officer personnel listed above were as ~f 12 :May 1944.

O~"'FICEtt PERSONNEL

l~AME AND RAl~ SERIAL NO. roTY

-~ . Lt Col Becker, Elmer Yl. o 202 054 Tk Unit Commander Hq Maj Molloy William C. o 513 156 Chaplain Hq

- 17­ TOTAL TOTAL 4 14 13 34 45 18 2 1 128 TiLNK Tanks destrqyed - 4 Taru(s dDaged ani returned to service -" 34 ENEUY CASUALTIES (KNOrm) .... KIA 0 121 757 749 841 161 0 o 2629 PO'W o 21 1 9 37 7 1 o 76

Total en~ casualties 2705 SUJ:.nAARY OF A,;ARDS AND COMMENDATIONS

~ H'~ 00 .L .L ..2....L SER MED TOTAL Silver St2..T 0 2 o 6 B* 2 o o 18 Soldiers Medal 0 o 1 000 1 o 2 Bronze Star 2 8 7 28 14 1 6 4 73 Medal ?urple He3.rt 3 16 12 26 54 14 o 1 126H Cor:anend<.:.tions 0 o 1 1 1 1 1 o 5 Total 15 24 21 61 11 18 8 5 224*** "* Includes 1 Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver star iH~Includes 12 Oak Leaf Clusters to the Purple Heart ~Incomplete 11 awards pending

OFlICER. ?ZRSOm·iE!. lB.ME AND RANK .SERIAL NO. .SUIr.WUT .

1t Col DavidJ Edward F. o 291 140 Hq lJaj HaasJ Frank E. o 329 338 Hq Maj Wilson,· JOM W. o 315 199 Hq Capt MarusakJ Peter 01 012 994 Hq Capt StetlerJ Clarence J. 01 016 247 Hq Capt TodoroffJ Alex8~der G. o 450 &>1 Hq 1st Lt CiganJ steve 01 016 924 Hq 1st Lt Knapp, 'Walter W. 01 011 665 Hq

- 16­ ·. ..,.'

SEhVIC~: C0t~A~'Y

Service Compal'\Y ~divi~ waD to furnish trucks for supplies, ammunition, and ~asolinetO'"7.il cOiiiEat elements. The Transportation platoon sent drivers and trucks to h:mdle the supply requirements of the companies. The IVlOtor Maintenance platoon was also divided into .:;roups -:fhich were on call and were frequently sent out whenever hi.:;her echelon maintenance work was required. The company was awarded the kieritcrious Unit Service Plaque by Headquarters, I Corps, for their efficiency in the campaign. . :.::EDIC.i\.L. DETACI-IMENT

·!£Qo ~ petachment faced the same problem when they sent sections to the VL':Xl. S companies. Their duties were to provide minor medical and surGical c'lre, to ..;ive medical .odd and evacuate the sick am. wounded and to make recommend ·,tions as to sanitary, health and malaria control measures. The presence of the aidmen vdth the line soldiers at all times not only aided in reducin~ the non-effective r~te due to diseQse and injur~/ but ,,:af also a factor in maintaining hiCh morale Ylithin the respective units.

DAT'1' clIOI-: I·I:EAD_Jl.~R1'ERS

/-' Rer:13.ininc in ASD-';G.J·j' were Dattc:lion He2,dquarters ':rith administr?.tive { ~lesents of Service Con~)an;y and a part of the Lledic!'.l Detc!11:lent. From ;; t:'~ere, tile Batt:.lion Corrnn3.ndin(; Officer and his st"ff visitec" the various t cC)r.1)ccnies over 2. "ride frcnt, i:C1S?ectil}: and n~dn::.; recommend'..tions to' the ' :~,nf'l!1tI"'J com;,;anders as to the em~")loyment of tonks. The three tanks of \ . Batt lion Headquarters section VJere at various tines attached to A Co;;cpal'\Y \ em~' CO!.L)an~- ;:end were used in cOlb::::;:' -::ith those two COIr.).~nies as 'well '-..2.:3 ":itr~ ~lead~rters 6ompal'\Y. .

}Iuch '123 le.rned fr~m the ~Juzon c rJJ1)"i::;n. 'ine nost in)ortant was i~j:.e C:'._ ,abilitieE; of the l.1eclium tc.nk. 1;0 one ever cODceived 'Ghat t,hey '.0uld_., or__.. cou}.d._. o~x:r8.t('.... _...,a c.'ver t~,c ru ':'ed terr3.in '.hich ch:'-r~,cterized• • most 0.. t:18 : l:.::;t:!.. n~ 2..i ter t~~e enemy ,';"S be..,ten .from t.he centr-;l ~!"l ?l.n l.nto .lc,11c rc.~:·1J.nt~ins.

The record of the Batt,:,lion spe,?ks for itself. The a·:r2.ros Jisted belo':' -:re indicative of the splendid job performed by the o!.'ficers and :nen. The battQlion le~Js C COJ:1)2..ny was in COLlbat i'ive r.lonths less seven cl~yS: C Co;:-!:'any ',"["8 in C01wat 6 months and eleven dayS. Personnel of t::is bC.ttCl.1ion ,';8re ~)raised daily by inf~.ntrymen '::ith '.';hor.l they oper2.ted. '~l;c .. uzcn c:,.mpo.i:.,;n ·,·:".S indeed a successful one for the 77Sth Tank E:1ttalion4

77":.'i[ '~· .... ;.E j:..1.·L' .-'~~ IDE c:,~srhL'i'L2S

:e~.:r ~~A .. ~ j;E:L: ~ , -, Q" i ::,..S ...... ;, CC -A -D -C -D V ..... lw :\.::c~ A'.:'Al, r-. I:L\ t..., 0 1 8 2 0 1 0 12

IX'".!,/ 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 3

IYI 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 ,L. It 13 12 21: ).1-3 17 1 1 112 J 1 - Ie; ­ Patrols of 2, 3 and sometimes a platoon of tanks and one or more platoons of Infantry aggressively patrolled the fiat e.reas along the • BAU~G and NAGUILIAN nIVERS~ clearinG thes~ areas.of all resis:~ce. Later the entire force of 13 t:lnks gave dlrect flre support 1"mlle two infantry companies took high ground 3 miles east of NA9'tILLJ:, where t~e 130th Infantry was relieved by the 129th Infantry. 'l'hlS company 1'/3.S, J.n turn, transferred to the 129th. On 29 March, the 2nd Battalion, 129th Infantry started the drive up 1i, highway #9 from BUHGOS toward their objective, BAGU~O. Elem?nts of , . l this compartV, usually one platoon, were const"nt1y In the p?J.nt of t['~s f advance, c1e~).ring the road by fire for the advo.nce of the dlsmCunted infantry. On April 1st, the comparv was augmented by the att'·chment of the 2nd p1e.toon of Compal\V A, 77Sth T nk Battalion. 1itt1e resistance was encountered until the advance ree.ched Siu)LAN on Hi;hway 719. At this point, the 33rd Division w s relieved by the 37th and B Com:xIIJ\Y, 775th Tank Battalion, relieved D Com:?any. '1'he first pla.toon of D Com~)any was subsequently attached to Com:)al\Y B and. rem;-dned "lith the 31th Division. D Companyls headquexters and the 2nd platoon were reattached to the l30th Infantry at CAVA under orders to remain there until such time as they could be used on the 'ctual a')proaches to BAGUIO. On 24 ApriJ., the call came and the comparw moved to n~~.SAlJ on lli~hw'Y #9 to join the 2nd B?ttalion, l30th Infantry prepared to approach BAGUIO along the road. from ASIN. On 28 April Company F, l30th Infantry G.nd 8 tallies v/ere directed to clear the Cqrnp John .~~ area in BAGLIO. This force comp­ rised the first AmericC'.n troops to enter the John Hay area• .~., Meanvlhile, the first platoon, "dth the 37th Division v;as standing by for the same purpose. ,.hen the outskirts of JAGUIO v!ere re::-.ched on l{i.~hway ff9, a section of light tanks am a section of mediums from Comparw H, were sent into the city. '£his force \,;as the first to enter the city of BAGUIO. This light ank platoon was subsequently used in continuing the i:'dvance of the J7th. Division toward TRIlJID,'J). '.I."he flats south of TRINIDAD were i'ound to be good light tnnlc country and the platoon \'las instruaental in clearing this area of enE!Il\V. The mission continued until 6 May, when'the 33rd Division took over the sector of the 37th Division and the platoon returned to COm~),3ny control. On 29 i1.pril, company headq,uarters and the 2nd platoon, Vler r ordered to lil.C've in and. occupy bivouac areas in the John Hay a.~·ea ';:ith the 3rd Batt3.lion, 130ti1 Infantry. Aggressive patrollins east from 3AGUIL towards ~e ..;old-mine areas continued for 5 days after we entered the city. Paii)ls a.1so pro­ ceeded to the air-strip to the south.

On 5 i,lay 1945, still attached to the l30th Infantr.f we moved into semi-permanent camp area i'lith the reserve battalion of the 130th Inlc'ntry. On 6 May the first platoon was det"'.ched from the 37th Infantry and re­ joined the company. 'tie constructed a semi-permanent camp in B:i.GFIC and remained there inactive until 1 July y!hen the battalion 'I':as reformed at ASIhGAN.

One platoon was cormnencled by the Comm~ndin:~ Genere'l of the 37th Divi­ sion for their work with that Division.

- 14 ­ ~.~ "'!W.';-. .• .~, :~~-:r ~1 ~!;

J~':~. r •.•.. ' , ., ! ,)

• '=~t,~3;::C~'=:~=~'J: tat:=On ... ~·.l...... ·~C .. C ...... &M,ltla. of .... . • "iIl...... :... ;*"••ta.It. h ~b1e -JUl_ ,tile 4r1.. ad reach. U81JI1U_ ttt ,...' .. '.... ~ ..... _kaltecl W the 2111 .atw1ioa, lJ6tialat-"" .1. mul_ :1t .. to 1",-,_ areas adjacent '. to n...... ~1"."_ ta. tht.. poeitla .ul30 JaM 191a5 when th8T rewwt;"· w "ttaU._ ooJdatel &1111 ...... re-uadgn«! to the '~ ~ at ASDICWI _ 1 Nq lstaS.·

Oa 3) ~, the ··;w.-.~t ,Headquarters and the lit aDI 2al platoolll an"5:n4 1n GULI'. troops were dis_ark_ oa 21 r~. fha....eeooD&l ;1atoon Jo1Jiec:l the 123ri 1nf'ant17'" 33rd . D1ri.s1Ia.-t DU«>R1'I8J the t1nt IIIaMoD au! . headquarters were . attached to the 3•.J1n.1oD at-J!INGJH. 'Dd.s ,latter crouP composed the DiTJ..s,oll ...... , ud ..... called ~'to trace reports ot 1Dt11trat1Dc peri;:1.. 1a the D:i.Y1sion area., On ~ Karch" the first platoo~ was attachecl to the 126th Infantry at SAN\~ where the per&OllDe1 wa.s used .. Ridge~. 'l'he head~"8 tank HCt10n U taIIq) was attache to the' . IDtant17 at DlUG aD4 given the meAOJl ot help1.Dg 1ecur8 the risiOIl rear. The tln"ee tanks were "Pc-1D·.111 static positions CO'f'ering the three mai:q. approaches to the town. 'rh... assigraents tor 'both co~au;y headquarters and the first platoon lalfted onq four dqs. On 24th llarch orders were received to 30iD the ,Jrd Dinsion, then at roSARIO. The 1st platoon and' com:p8l1,1 hea4quarters ..ere 8Uhsequentl1' assigned to the l.)Oth Infantry at ~AUANG • .. second platoon ot this cODJPB.l\Y .. alread1' assigned to the 130th aaI returned to compan;y control at this t:J.me. The second plat09n" after its vehicles were disembarked at SAN FABIAN on February 27" proceeded at once to join the 123rd Infantry.t 33rd Di.visioll at DAlIORTIS. This platoon participated in mounted patro18 north ot Highway #3. '!'he platoon participated aM moved with the 123rd Infantry to AlIBANGONAN" and continued. to ARINGAY ..mere it joined the 130th Infantry. In the susequent attacks ot CAVA and BAUANG" the platoon supported the infantry in taking these towns. At BAUANG" the platoon leader's tank being the first Aller:l.can vehicle to cross the douBle-span bridge over the BAUAm RIVER. Operating:rrc.. HAUANa with the 1st batta­ lion ot the lJOth" the platoon conducted recormaissance patrols to SAN FERNANlX> to contact the guerrilla forces occupying the town. Also from BAUANG" the platoon patrolled east along Higmrq #9 to, and slightly beyond lWlUILIAN. Because of the constant use to which these tanks were 'being put" it was suggested by' the Infantry coaoander that more tarJ<:s be given hill to operate on the fiat ground near the coast and the BAUANG am. NAGUn.IAN RIVER lteds. This request resulted in the sending of the compan;y headquarters and first platoon to join the second platoon at BAUANa OD lIarch 24. 'FraI BAUAH:Z the coJnP8.lV' participated in and suppor,ted the advance of the 3rd Battilion" l30th along Highway #9 toward NAGUILIAN AND BURGOS.

- 13 ­

, ,"'r'" ..... -.,.,.....,}'t,', ,. "T ! .! :;. 1 ". (,',. '..". '.

• :-' ., defeD8e aDd lIOnel on.to CABllUU. 0Dq 18olate4 ...... d1ll!i ...... froa there to 1"UGUmJlWU), 1JIIortaDt aU oct.. of tile YJllIir. .. 25 June, juncture was mae wi,th tile lltll ~ .."....,,.' .. > . .,yael down frcIl APPAIBI..... the per.l.04 clAim" thia ...... ,:.....' ' compau;y were assistiDg 1D -J1d.aI l1p act1du... on l8~~-..oe.u.ov l°ftl~-~'~th~~~'T·~~7~ CID& DUO. ~ ~.,.. 0 __ 1IAe ~ta~..t·~ . .'. " " ASINcaH, P8llCas:i D8J'l. . OOKPANY D

Januarr 11th, ;1945, the third platoon of ~ D aa1 tw t.. . ot the campalV' headquarters landed with the Nttalioil at SAl IUDI. The 1st am 2M platoons landed at SAl F!BUB em the 18th of ~. The third platoon and qeadquarter's tank section rrdDed 1UIIler battalion control during' the move to, alii the stq DeU', SAIl J.A.CIftO. Jllr:1ftg this period, three tanks were called out; on a patrol wi,~ ... platoon of CompalV' B, 632nd. Tank Destroyer ..tt&11ea. The ...... not contacted. 'lbis platoon remained with the 'Mttal1on headqurier8 until 21 February 1945~ when they were sent to SAN ~SE to 301a t.Jae 25th Infantr,y DiVision. The platoon was attached to the 25th IeoOD­ naissance Troop ani moved to T.Al5LANG. Here the,y naained l1DtU IIaI'OIl • i l2~ supporting the Reconnaissance Troop ia ca.rryinc out secur.:Lt7 patrols east and southeast of TABLA.NG, east of BONGAIOH aJd aouth 1;0 CABANATUAN. These particular patrols were prilaarily 1;0 chue clmra civilian reports ot enElQ" activity. Ver,y little eD-V act101l was actWllll' encountered. On Karch 13, the platoon was transferred to BONG4BON, as security in that sector am as a JIObile patrol toree a1"&ilablJ to the Reconnaissance Troops in tracking down civilian reports. Vest of this . i patrolling was to the east ot BONGABON, occassional.l.1' as tar as DIH­ I G.i~EN BAY. A few scattered prisoners were picked up on these patrols and were turned in to the 25th Division lIP's. Elements of the platoon remained in BONGABON during the period 13 March untU 30 1Iq. Dar.I.nc this period the platoon was detached. troll the 25th llecorma1ssance Troop and attached to Compa!\Y' C, 775tb Tank Battalion. From April lOth to 20th May, two tanks (one section) were attached to the 27th Infantrr , I south ot BALETE PASS. Their mission was pr1mar~ to keep the Jtec1- i I ment[-.l Supply Route paralleling Highway II!> clear ot road blocks am ; I infiltration parties. Each morning at 0700 hours the section cleared the road before trucks, etc.J were permitted to make the run. Frequent road blocksJ set up overnight b,y the en~ were discovered in this . manner. The appearance ot the tanks in most cases, scared away the en~ left to protect the road blocks, although a great deal, of tiring was accomplished to assure their withdrawal.

On 30 MayJ 1945, CompaI\V C and the third platoon ot ComparJY D were detached from the 25th Division, then at SMiTE FE, am reattached to the 31th Division.

- 12­

.... ~ ) - ) ~ 5 ­

(-4:) .Commanders of all echelons will take p08i~ive • aotion to insure the safeguarding of capt-urei stores and equipment against pillage a.a/looting by members of our foroes and by local inhabitants. (5) lattalion oommanders will iesignate suitabl. billiting a,tails to guide their respective units to the general POZORROBIO area.

(6) All battalions will establish p~rsonal.liai~o. with Heaiquarters, 13th Armorea G-roup lmmedlately upon announoement of looation of command post. • • 11 11 11

/s/ M. E. Jones M. E. JONES Colonel, Cavalry Commanding n A True Extract Copy n

DAVIS B. OAT 1st Lt. In£

, .